Top 10 Spanish Schools in Granada Nicaragua By - Raúl Gavarrette O
Long has been the path since the early 80´s first Spanish language
schools in Nicaragua opened in the northern Estelà Nicaraguan province. This
self-sustainable clean industry has experienced a boom over the last years
since late 90´s, particularly in Granada downtown, the first colonial city in
Nicaragua. At the present, Granada has a growing network of independent Spanish
language schools which through the years have gained experience and reputation
among the increasing number of visitors that choose Nicaragua as a safe Central
American country to visit. Studying
Spanish is a good option while visiting the country. Those who are planning or
have already decided to visit Nicaragua should explore the possibility to make
a great combination of a vacation trip with a few days, a couple of weeks, or
even months of Spanish language study in Granada.
With so many new schools opening every year in this colonial city, it is
someway kind of difficult to choose a Spanish school in Granada to study. It
depends on the interests or what you are looking for and how much you want to
spend. In the city streets you will find people not necessarily teachers,
offering Spanish lessons in Granada for a few cents mostly for economic reasons.
You cannot expect good quality from them. Perhaps if you just want to learn some
Spanish words by heard and do not want to spend much this could be an option.
Most of the Spanish schools in Granada offer a mixture of language
instruction, volunteer opportunities and excursions to nearby destinations
which include crater lakes, boat tours, cigar factories, and walking city
tours. Lodging with local families in Granada is also included in the Spanish
studies packets offered by the language schools. Each school has different
prices for the Spanish courses ranging between $250 and $350 for a week. This
mainly depends on the kind of course you choose and the quality of services
they offer. The more weeks you take the cheaper you get. If you are seriously
considering learning Spanish in Granada Nicaragua, having fun, experiencing the
culture and enjoying the surroundings and the beautiful nature, you should have
a look at these ten top Granada Spanish schools mentioned in this article.
These are the Spanish language schools that have stood out for their reputation
and experience, for their ethic and honesty, and the professionalism of the
business.
1. Granada
Spanish School (http://www.nicaragua-spanish-lessons.com)
is an independent language school located in Granada downtown a few blocks from
the Central Plaza, in the surroundings of Xalteva Church, formerly situated in
Convento San Francisco. This school offers Spanish immersion courses,
one-on-one lessons and in small groups from basic beginners to advanced
superior levels. The courses are combined with amazing afternoon excursions to
local destinations which include nature reserves, national parks, crater lakes,
boat tours in Lake Cocibolca; visits to open markets, handicraft factories,
active and dormant volcanoes. This Nicaraguan Spanish language school offers
also Spanish and Ceramic courses; Medical Spanish courses; Spanish for College
students; Spanish for High School teachers and Online Spanish lessons. Homestay
with friendly families is included in the course packet; all included packets.
Most of the teachers speak English but they use it only when it is necessary or
requested. The maximum size of the class is four students but average size is
one-two students per class. Class material is provided. Spanish instruction is
usually Monday to Friday all year round opening every Monday but any student
can start any day of the week according to personal schedule on arrival.
Students are offered to study one week course as minimum length but can take as
many weeks as desired. Airport pickup from Managua to Granada is available if
requested. Volunteering is also possible previous request. The staff is very
enthusiastic and dynamic. The Director and his Administrative Assistant are
also very nice. This school has been providing job opportunities to its
teachers since 2004 at the very early organization stage and promoted
conservationist and reforestation small projets in Laguna de Apoyo along with
its partner school in that area. Students are offered to volunteer.
2. Casa
Xalteva Spanish School (http://www.casaxalteva.org) situated by the Xalteva
church offers a packet stressed on volunteering. It is one of the oldest
Spanish schools established in Granada. Located in a quiet location, this
school offers intensive Spanish courses for beginners, intermediate and
advanced language students. The class size is two-three students per class, sometimes
one- to-one. Lessons take place for four hours daily from Monday to Friday. The
Spanish lessons are emphasized on conversational skills. Most of the
instructors at the school speak English but they use only Spanish since the
first day of class to encourage the students to speak, write and read the
language from the very first day in the program. Classes start every Monday all
year round. Minimum length of a course is one week but students can study for
weeks or months if desired. Transportation from Airport available if requested.
3. SOL Spanish
School (http://www.granadanicaraguaspanishschool.com), a language school family
owned, is located at a few blocks from Central Park and from Xalteva Church.
The school offers Spanish courses from beginners to advanced levels. SOL
Spanish School has a wide range of courses for the students: Spanish immersion
classes; Spanish classes only; combo programs; online Spanish classes;
Volunteering and Spanish classes. The standard program includes Spanish classes
Monday to Friday, lodging with a host family, and local afternoon activities.
The activities include visits to museums, clinics, artisan shops, local
factories, farms, and NGO´s. Classes are usually 8-12m. The class size is 1-2
students per class. The school provides class materials. Some of the teachers
speak English and use it in the class if requested by students. Transfer from
Managua Airport to Granada can be arranged through the school.
4. Nicaragua
Mia Spanish School (http://spanishschoolnicaraguamia.com) is situated on
Caimito Street, near Central Plaza in Granada. It is operated by a cooperative
of women who offer Spanish courses: one-on-one intensive, Spanish for
travelers, business Spanish, and classes for children. The courses include
class materials. The school is opened throughout the year 8-5 pm. Classes start
every Monday. The basic week course includes Spanish lessons Monday to Friday
in the mornings, afternoon local excursions, and homestay with Granada
families. Transportation from Airport to school in Granada is provided by school
at an additional cost.
5. Ave
Nicaraguita Spanish School (http://www.avenicaraguita.com) offers immersion
courses and opportunities for volunteers. This language school is situated in
El Arsenal Street. The Spanish courses help the participants to learn about the
local culture and to be able to communicate effectively. Operated by a family, this school has
contributed to the local economy by bringing lots of students to the Spanish
programs which contributes to the generation of decent employment. The school
offers Spanish courses in accordance with the student needs and availability of
time. Living with a host family, afternoon activities, and Spanish instruction
Monday to Friday throughout the year is part of the packet offered by this
school. Some of the instructors speak English but they use it only if
necessary. One week is the minimum time for a course. Students have the option
to study as many weeks as they want. Transportation from Airport in Managua to
Granada is provided by the school if requested.
6. Granada
Spanish Lingua, (http://www.granadanicaraguaspanish.com), located a few blocks
from the Central Park in Granada, offers a structured Spanish language
immersion programs. The basic standard program at the school is per week and
includes family homestay Sunday through Saturday and Spanish instruction Monday
through Friday. Classes start any Monday of the year. There are volunteer
opportunities for students. Students can register at this school for one week
minimum length up to as many weeks are needed by the participants. Some of the
teachers speak English and use it in case of need during the Spanish sessions. Airport
transportation service to Granada, excursions, extra language tutoring, and
homestay services are available separately from the basic combined program for
registered students at this Spanish language school.
7. Spanish
School Xpress (http://www.nicaspanishschool.com) is located in Calle Guzman, a
few blocks from Central Plaza. It offers a complete program of Spanish
immersion. Classes are adapted to the student’s interest and to his/her level
of Spanish. The staff is young and very enthusiastic. Some of the teachers
speak English if needed in the class. The basic program includes 20 hours of Spanish
classes, 5 days a week, in the morning 8-12m; afternoon local activities, lodging
with local families. Class material is supplied, one-on-one instruction. This
Spanish school also offers customized programs, Spanish and Dancing, and business
Spanish. Airport pickup provided upon request.
8. APC
Spanish School (http://spanishgranada.com) is situated across from Central Park
and offers language immersion classes.
The school is a project of the organization ‘The Association of Cultural
Promoters’ (APC). Basically the school offers Spanish courses in the mornings,
local daily excursions in the afternoons, room and board with local families.
Students have opportunities to volunteer with local organizations through the
school. Spanish courses for children are available at the APC School in Granada.
Regular classes are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The school is
opened every day all year round.
9. One on
One Tutoring is a family owned Spanish school, located along the street that
links the Main Plaza with the Lake. It is the second oldest established Spanish
language school in Granada. The school offers Spanish immersion programs; weekly
lessons, one-on-one; regular class schedule 4 hours daily 5 days a week; and
afternoon activities. The instructors rotate every hour, in order that students
are exposed to a variety of accents as they switch between grammar,
conversation and pronunciation. For a little more money students have access to
an air conditioned classroom. The programs are for beginners, intermediate and
advanced students, short and long-term. Classes are adapted to the students’
needs and learning style. Spanish lessons start any day of the week including
weekends and holidays; school is open 8 am. to 8 pm. Optional staying with
local family can be arranged through the school as well as transportation from
Airport.
10. Mombacho Spanish School is situated along
Calle La Libertad a few blocks from Central Park. This school opened recently
but it has fast gained popularity, it provides Spanish instruction for all
levels and adapted to student’s needs. The basic program includes Spanish
language classes in the morning, afternoon activities, homestay. Classes are
Monday to Friday all year round. The school has contact with organizations in
Granada where volunteering is possible. The
staff of the school is young, and enthusiastic. Airport transportation through
the school is available if requested.
